MATILDA
A film review by Michael John Legeros
Copyright 1996 Michael John Legeros
(TriStar)
Directed by Danny DeVito
Written by Nicholas Kazan and Robin Swicord, based on the book by
Roald Dahl
Cast Mara Wilson, Danny DeVito, Rhea Perlman, Embeth Davidtz,
Pam Ferris, Paul Reubens, Tracey Walter
MPAA Rating "PG"
Running Time 93 minutes
Reviewed at Six Forks Station Cinemas, Raleigh, NC (5AUG96)
==
The second Roald Dahl adaptation of the year is a James of a giant disappointment, a strictly-for-kids revenge fantasy about an exceptional little girl (Myra Wilson, from MRS. DOUBTFIRE) and how she gets back at both her nincompoop parents (Danny DeVito and Rhea Perlman) and her school's horrible headmaster (Pam Ferris). Danny DeVito also produces, directs, and even narrates, heaven help us. (The effect of the latter is actually quite jarring. His voice is too recognizable and the resulting contrast-- between the neutral narration and his non-neutral character-- is so confusing that it nearly stops the film cold.) Behind the camera, though, Danny the Director (WAR OF THE ROSES, HOFFA) is as innovative as ever. He has enough cinematic slight-of-hand up his sleeve to rival Brian the DePalma.
Unfortunately, DeVito doesn't know to quit when he's ahead. The director's fatal mistake is that he never pulls back from either the cartoon cruelty or the overplayed buffoonery. The result is a movie that quickly grows tiresome and, like too many other summer entries, ends up a one-dimensional ride. Not that the intended audience will mind. Kids will laugh and scream and shout, while their parents pay attention to other problems, such as the starkly lit exteriors, the off-balance plotting, and one little girl with very little range. (Myra Wilson can express all of, what?, three emotions? Or is four?) There may be as much imagination at work, here, as in WILLY WONKA AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY. However, *this* Dahl needs to be handled with a softer touch.
Grade: C+
--
Mike Legeros - Raleigh, NC
legeros@nando.net (h) - legeros@unx.sas.com (w)
Visit me in MOVIE HELL
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